The evolution of Cooper DeJean's performance throughout the 2024 NFL season has been nothing short of remarkable. After a slow start that saw him not feature prominently, his playoff exploits propelled him to the top of the cornerback rankings, even surpassing established players like Pat Surtain II.

Among the key highlights was DeJean's stellar Super Bowl performance, where he not only contributed defensively but also made a game-changing play by returning an interception for a touchdown, demonstrating both his skill and resilience. Other rookie cornerbacks like Quinyon Mitchell and Andru Phillips also made significant impacts, showcasing the depth of talent in this year's class.

The Philadelphia Eagles have decided to part ways with veteran cornerback James Bradberry, marking a significant shift in their secondary strategy. After spending the entire previous season on injured reserve due to an Achilles tendon injury, Bradberry's release follows the recent dismissal of fellow cornerback Darius Slay. This indicates the Eagles' commitment to building a younger and potentially more cost-effective defense, with players like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean at the helm.

This post-June 1 release will free up $2.1 million in cap space, a strategic financial move as Bradberry was slated to account for approximately $5.2 million against the cap this year. Bradberry's tenure with the Eagles included a second-team All-Pro selection in 2022 and four interceptions, but his performance regressed in the subsequent season, allowing a league-high ten touchdown receptions. The upcoming offseason will be pivotal for the Eagles as they navigate these changes while aiming for future success.

The 2025 NFL Draft season is upon us, bringing fresh opportunities for teams to re-evaluate their strategies, especially regarding double-dipping at key positions. The Philadelphia Eagles have set a precedent by successfully selecting both Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in 2024. The current draft class shows promising depth in edge and interior defenders, making it a fertile ground for franchises looking to bolster their defenses.

Across the league, teams are increasingly leveraging multiple early-round picks to address position needs, as evidenced by the trend where 18 out of 32 teams have made two selections in the top-four rounds at the same position over the last three years. This approach highlights the unpredictability of the draft, where first-round picks may not always yield immediate returns. Teams like the Rams, with a reduced number of early picks due to trading, illustrate a contrasting strategy where depth is often sacrificed for star power. The necessity of effective scouting and a calculated approach has never been more critical for teams aiming to capitalize on the upcoming draft.

The Philadelphia Eagles are shifting gears this offseason with the release of cornerback Darius Slay. Despite coming off a strong season, Slay's departure will save the Eagles significant salary cap space, with $4.3 million for 2025 and $17.8 million in 2026. Slay's performance included a 63.6 passer rating allowed and 13 pass breakups, showcasing his effectiveness in coverage. With Slay gone, Cooper DeJean is set to take on an expanded role, transitioning to outside cornerback while Isaiah Rodgers’ future with the team hangs in the balance as he enters free agency.

As the Eagles restructure their defense, they could potentially bring Slay back at a reduced rate. His experience could be invaluable for the development of young corners like Quinyon Mitchell and DeJean. With the Eagles eyeing a championship again, retaining Slay might provide the veteran presence they need.

The Philadelphia Eagles are set to release six-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay, a strategic move aimed at managing their salary cap. This decision follows strong performances from rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, allowing the Eagles to save $4.3 million against the cap. Slay, who is 34 years old and spent five seasons with the Eagles after a lengthy career with the Detroit Lions, had an impressive run but ended the last season without an interception for the first time since his rookie year.

Mitchell, a standout first-round draft pick, started all 16 games last season, contributing significantly to the team's Super Bowl victory. DeJean also made his mark, proving the Eagles' young defensive corps has the depth to compensate for Slay's absence. While this transition may signal a shift in the Eagles' defensive strategy, it also raises questions about the future of other key defenders in the team, including Josh Sweat and Milton Williams, who are also due to hit free agency.